Ramanathaswamy Temple, also known as Rameshwaram Temple, is a major Hindu temple in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu. The temple lies on Pambam or Rameshwaram Island, between India and Sri Lanka. The main deity of the temple is Lord Shiva, a Hindu deity known to be the creator, protector, and destroyer. He is also frequently referred to as the God of Destruction. Instead of worshipping Shiva in his true form, devotees at the temple worship his symbolic representation.
The temple was constructed in the 12th century and is one of the most important Shiva temples in India. It is also part of the Char Dham Yatra (journey to four pilgrimage sites), which is known to help achieve Moksha (liberation from the cycle of life and death). While exploring Southern India, plan a visit to the stunning Rameshwaram Temple and stay in a top hotel nearby.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) Superhost status, recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and amenities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on April 14, 2024.
What makes this temple unique?
Rameshwaram Temple is undoubtedly the top attraction on Pamban Island and is visited by more than thousands of pilgrims daily. The temple was originally a simple shack with a thatched roof. However, it was extensively expanded during the 12th century by the rulers of the Pandya Dynasty. It was later renovated under the Jaffna Dynasty. Rameshwaram Temple is well known for its elaborate entrance gates, striking handiwork, and a mammoth bull idol.
Relation to mythology
According to Ramayana, a renowned mythological epic, Lord Ram first arrived in the town of Rameshwaram after defeating the demon King Ravana of Sri Lanka. Before heading back to his kingdom in Ayodhya, he instructed his trusted devotee, Lord Hanuman, to procure the largest lingam (a symbolic representation of Lord Shiva) for him to pray. He wanted to worship this representation of Lord Shiva so that the latter could absolve him of all the sins he might have committed during his battle in Sri Lanka.
Since it took Lord Hanuman longer than expected, Ram’s wife, Sita built a lingam out of sand for him to pray. This is known as Ramalingam. Hanuman eventually returned with a lingam from Kailash Mountain, and it was installed nearby and named Vishwalingam. Lord Ram instructed everyone to pray to the Vishwalingam first, before worshipping the Ramalingam, and his practice continues to this date.
Religious pilgrimages at the temple
Ramanathaswamy Temple is a principal Shiva temple and one of the most prominent Hindu temples in the world. It is a part of several important pilgrimage routes that Hindus try to complete in their lifetime. One of these is the Jyotirlinga Yatra (journey to the temples where Lord Shiva is worshipped in his symbolic form). This pilgrimage circuit includes 12 of the most sacred shrines of Lord Shiva. It is believed that a visit to these shrines can make one’s soul pure and free them from the cycle of life and death.
Architecture
The temple grounds cover an area of 15 ac (6.07 ha) and include 1212 intricately carved granite pillars. The temple itself is constructed in the Dravidian style, using limestone and granite. Later additions to the temple display varying styles that were preferred by the reigning dynasty of the time. The interesting thing about the granite is that there is no local source for it on the island.
The temple is renowned for its three captivating corridors that feature brightly colored carved pillars and vibrant ceiling murals. The first is set on a 5 ft (1.52 m) high platform and includes the main deity, the second includes 108 lingams and an idol of Lord Ganpati, Shiva’s son. The most striking is the final and most recent corridor, built in the 18th century. It’s made up of 1212 pillars that are over 20 ft (6.10 m) in height, and it’s also said to be the longest pillared temple corridor in the world.
The entry into the temple is through four ornately carved gopurams (entrance gates) that are seen in many South Indian temples. The majestic east entrance is 126 ft (38.40 m) high and is made up of nine levels, while the west entrance is 78 ft (23.77 m) tall and broken into five levels. The more recently constructed northern and southern entrance gates are much smaller in comparison.
What is the best time to visit the temple?
The best time to visit the temple is between the months of October and March when the island experiences the onset of a mild winter. Since the weather is pleasant during this period, it is the peak season for tourists. Several Hindu festivals are also celebrated during this time period, such as Navratri, Diwali, and Mahashivratiri. It is not advised to visit during the summer months due to high temperatures that can reach up to 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit).
The temple grounds are open daily from 5 am to 1 pm, and again from 3 pm to 9 pm.
How to reach the temple
Ramanathaswamy Temple is located on Pamban Island, popularly known as Rameshwaram Island, just off the coast of the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu. The closest major city to the island is Madurai on the mainland.
By Air
Pilgrims arriving by air will land at Madurai Airport, and then complete the rest of the journey by road. The temple is 180 km (111.85 mi) from the airport, and the drive takes just a little over 3 hrs.
By Train
Visitors arriving by train can directly reach Rameshwaram Railway Station, located 1.9 km (1.18 mi) from the temple. You can visit and check in to your hotel from the station before heading to the temple.
By Road
Driving to the temple from any nearby city on the mainland is always possible. However, the cheapest option for tourists without a car would be to board a bus from Madurai. Overnight buses are also available.
What rules are to be followed at Ramanathaswamy Temple?
All religious institutes follow a set of rules or practices that allows devotees to pay their respects in a courteous manner. Since Rameshwaram Temple is an ancient Hindu temple, their rituals have been passed down through generations. Many of these are symbolic and rooted in religious beliefs and mythology.
Dress Code
Men can wear cotton pants and a shirt, or a lungi (men’s outerwear consisting of a piece of long cloth wrapped around the waist) accompanied by a vest or a cotton shirt on top. Women can wear any Indian attire, such as a churidar (long cotton tunic with pants) or a saree (an unstitched piece of fabric wrapped around the body). Women should also carry a stole to cover the upper body. Neither men nor women are allowed to wear jeans and t-shirts when entering the temple grounds.
Temple Procedure
There are four gates to enter the temple, in the north, south, east, and west, and it is recommended that visitors enter via the east gate. The correct process is to first take a bath in Agni Theertham, a holy water body in the Bay of Bengal, located across from the east entrance. After this, devotees can change their clothes and proceed to pay their respects within the temple. If you do not wish to get drenched, you can simply wet your feet and pour a few drops of water on yourself.
Many, however, choose to follow a dip in the Agni Theertham with a cleansing bath in the 22 holy wells or theerthams within the temple compound. It is believed that Lord Ram carried 22 arrows in his quiver, and the number of wells is representative of the same. Many of these theerthams are linked with Hindu scripture, with stories mentioning kings and gods taking a ritual bath in these.
As dictated by Lord Ram, devotees first worship Vishwalingam, brought by Lord Hanuman, before proceeding to worship Ramalingam, which was built out of sand and is the main deity at the temple.
What sites within the temple should not be missed?
A visit to Rameshwaram Temple is considered a divine experience as it is strongly intertwined with Hindu mythology. Even non-Hindus can visit the temple, not just to seek blessings but also to marvel at this architectural wonder. The temple was constructed long before the convenience of modern machines, with every element hand-carved. While each part of the temple is significant for pilgrims, there are some important sights that deserve special mention.
The eastern and western gopurams (entrance gates) are a sight to behold with the many carved sculptures of Hindu gods and goddesses in various poses. These are built facing the rising and setting sun, which helps shower a mystical light on their designs.
The three long corridors are another element of the temple’s design that should not be skipped, and visitors should walk the entire length if time permits. The corridors were built during different time periods, and as one walks, they experience various craftsmanship styles.
The temple is also famous for its 22 theerthams. Each of these wells is named and numbered and should be visited accordingly. The water from these is said to contain medicinal qualities, and it is believed that just a small drop of the water will abolish all past sins. In addition to that, each theertham has a purpose. The Gandhamadana Teertham or the sixth well, for instance, helps you achieve monetary success.
No Shiva temple can be complete without Nandi or an idol of a sitting bull facing the main deity or lingam. The bull is Shiva’s animal form and also his mode of transport. At Rameshwaram Temple, the statue of Nandi is 17 ft (5.18 m) tall and 12 ft (3.66 m) wide.
Places to visit near Rameshwaram Temple
Rameshwaram Temple is located in the town of Rameshwaram on Pambam island. While there are many tourists who plan day trips exclusively to pay their respects at the temple, there is much more to do on the island. While the temple is the most famous attraction on the island, it is not the only one.
Pambam Bridge
The first attraction is the Pamban Bridge, which is the gateway to the island and helps connect it to the mainland. Whether you are arriving by train or via road, it is sure to be one of the most scenic sea crossings you will encounter. It is also the longest bridge in India that crosses a bay.
Arichal Munai
This is the tip of the Pambam island, with the Bay of Bengal on one side and the Indian Ocean on the other. Depending on weather conditions, the road might not always be open, and visitors might be asked to turn back from the police checkpost. On your way to the end of the island, you can stop by the ruins of Dhanushkodi town, which has remained uninhabited since the devastating cyclone of 1964.
Ram Setu or Adam’s Bridge
It is impossible to visit the island and not hear of the legendary Ram Setu Bridge. According to Ramayana, the bridge was constructed using stones by Lord Hanuman and his monkey army to help Ram cross into Sri Lanka and rescue Sita. Meanwhile, Muslims believe that Adam crossed this bridge to reach Adam’s Peak in Sri Lanka; hence the alternative names. From Dhanushkodi, there is some evidence of sandbanks that are visible during low tide that might once have been a past land connection between India and Sri Lanka.
House of Kalam
This is the childhood home of India’s 11th President, Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam. The first floor of the house has been converted into a museum, while the upper level is an art gallery. A walk through the museum helps provide an insight into the life of the former president through displayed photographs and research projects. Note that this attraction is closed on the weekends.
Where to stay in Rameshwaram
Top hotels in Rameshwaram (from USD 112)
The Residency Towers, Rameswaram
Address: Madurai-Dhanushkodi NH Road
1.36 km (0.9 mi) from House of Kalam (APJ Abdul Kalam House / Museum
Akash Residency
Address: J J Nagar car parking Again theertham
1.15 km (0.8 mi) from House of Kalam (APJ Abdul Kalam House / Museum
Daiwik Hotels Rameswaram
Address: NH 49,Madurai-Rameshwaram Highway,Near Rameshwaram
1.63 km (1.1 mi) from House of Kalam (APJ Abdul Kalam House / Museum
Top homestays in Rameshwaram
KNP NEST Homestay
Address: P.N. Nagar, Rameswaram, India
985 meters (0.7 ft) from House of Kalam (APJ Abdul Kalam House / Museum
Blue Leaf Residency
Address: No. 20/90D, S K Patti, Near Hotel Blue Coral, V.O.C. Nagar, Rameswaram, Tamilnadu 623536
1.17 km (0.8 mi) from House of Kalam (APJ Abdul Kalam House / Museum
Bairava Bliss Inn
Address: 576/2A1A, Veerapathiraswamy Kovil street, Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu 623526
994 meters (0.7 ft) from House of Kalam (APJ Abdul Kalam House / Museum
Top Airbnb vacation rentals near Rameshwaram (from USD 55)
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
thanks to noor tariq and his family for being such a comfortable hostthe accommodations were clean comfortable and had all the necessary amenitiesthe accommodation is exactly as described with three comfortable beds and a nice well equipped kitchenwe had a very comfortable staythe rooms were comfortable and we also had access to parkingCleanliness:
the rooms were clean and moderneverything in flat was clean and properly placedthe place was like how the pictures are- clean and cosythe house was clean and we even had a full kitchenthe home was as described clean and spaciousHost:
the staff made us feel comfortablethey were really friendly and made sure we were happy with everythingnoor is an amazing hostnoor was a very good hostthe host responds with in less time and he is so warm and friendlyRead more reviewsLocation:
noor's place is at a peaceful location about 20km from rameswaramclose to all the nearby attractions and peaceful beacheswe had a great time staying at your place will definitely come back
Pirappan Valasai, TN, India
29.25 km (18.2 mi) from House of Kalam (APJ Abdul Kalam House / MuseumSuperhost
Accommodates: 2
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
extremely comfortable and pet friendlyRead more reviewsHost:
they both are friendly & politethey were very helpful with anything that we needed during our stayi would definitely recommend it moreover sabita and nawaz are great hosts
Top guest reviews
Cleanliness:
the rooms were cleanHost:
the stay was amazing the host mr ashik was very helpfulthe rest of the staff is also super sweet and warmashiq the care taker did a fantasic job of attending to our needsdefinitely recommend for all kind of crowdsrather than saying pet friendly they were pet loving peopleRead more reviewsLocation:
great location and onsite parkingawesome stay nice location cozy environment amazing foodthe place has ducks guinea fowls and exotic birds living on the property which adds to the charm
Receive blessings at the sacred Rameshwaram Temple
Rameshwaram Temple is a prominent place of worship among Hindus but should also be visited by others to appreciate its centuries-old craftsmanship. Located off the mainland of Tamil Nadu on the small Pambam Island, the temple also offers a scenic beachfront setting. Complete your trip to South India with a visit to the holy Rameshwaram Temple.
History
Get Trip101 in your inbox
Unsubscribe in one click. See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data
-
-
Top 2 Glamping Spots In Kodaikanal, IndiaKim Raya C. -
-
-
-
Create an account to